Overview
Learn the essentials for teaching languages to others, while simultaneously going through the experience of learning a language yourself. Pass the teaching practice modules and graduate with an additional qualification in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (Certificate).
Our course is ideal if you want to teach English to non-native speakers, but the knowledge and skills you develop will also prepare you for a range of other possible careers in the media, in administration, in business and in education; in fact, any job where the ability to apply critical thinking to problems, to conduct independent research and to communicate the results of your work to others are required.
You study topics which give you a thorough grounding in English Language, and teaching English Language to others, including:
- Linguistics and sociolinguistics
- The structure of the English language
- Second language learning
- Practical training in TEFL methods
You also study up to two of the languages offered at Essex: French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, completing at least one language to a minimum of Proficiency level. These languages are widely used in the business world, and having acquired near fluency, many of our graduates go on to develop successful global careers with international firms looking.
We also offer a month-long summer course with fees paid for by us if you start a language from scratch via the intensive route.
We are a leading UK university for language and linguistics research (REF 2014), a place where talented students become part of an academic community in which the majority of research is rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.
If you want a global outlook, are interested in human communication, and want to study for a degree with real-world practical value in a world-class department, welcome home.
Our expert staff
Our staff are internationally renowned. Their books are often found as key texts on reading lists at other universities and are used as the basis of our teaching in the Department. All our language teachers are native or bilingual speakers, we maintain excellent student-staff ratios, and we language learning is integrated with linguistics in this joint course.
In addition to helping you acquire practical foreign language skills, our staff share their expertise with you in the areas of professional translation, interpreting and subtitling, film and art, business, and culture.
Specialist facilities
- An exciting programme of research seminars and other events
- Our Albert Sloman Library houses a strong collection of books, journals, electronic resources and major archives
- Our Languages for All programme offers you the opportunity to study an additional language alongside your course at no extra cost
Your future
Studying language and linguistics allows you to develop your research and IT skills by collecting and analysing linguistic data using state-of-the-art technology, and a combination of team-work and independent projects enhances your communication, problem-solving, and management skills.
Graduates of our department have gone on to have careers in a wide variety of fields, including teaching (in the UK and abroad), journalism, branding, advertising, marketing, travel, communications, publishing, speech and occupational therapy, interpreting, translating and media.
For example, one of our department’s recent graduates is now an Assistant Editor at Scholastic, whilst another teaches English in South Korea. Other graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of high-profile companies including:
- The British Council
- English in Action
- Cambridge University Press
- Macmillan Publishers
- Cambridge University Press
- Decisive Media Ltd
We also work with the University’s Student Development Team to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.
Why we’re great
- In your second year, you take teaching practice modules. On successful completion, these give you practical experience and a TEFL-initiate qualification recognised by the British Council
- Great flexibility and choice: You can study up to two languages choosing between French, German, Portuguese*, Italian and Spanish. Mandarin Chinese is available at Intensive Initial level
- You will combine practical language study to a high level whilst acquiring the skills and experience to teach English to others
Structure
Course structure
The nature of this course is such that your individual programme will differ depending upon your pre-existing language qualifications/ the language(s) you choose to study during your course. Below is just one example structure from the current academic year of a combination of modules you could take.
Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field, therefore all modules listed are subject to change. To view the compulsory modules and full list of optional modules currently on offer, please view the programme specification.
Teaching and learning disclaimer
Following the impact of the pandemic, we made changes to our teaching and assessment to ensure our current students could continue with their studies uninterrupted and safely. These changes included courses being taught through blended delivery, normally including some face-to-face teaching, online provision, or a combination of both across the year.
The teaching and assessment methods listed show what is currently approved for 2022 entry; changes may be necessary if, by the beginning of this course, we need to adapt the way we’re delivering them due to the external environment, and to allow you to continue to receive the best education possible safely and seamlessly.
Teaching
- In addition to the compulsory modules that you must take, you can combine a number of modules of your choice to reflect your own interest in the linguistics
- Teaching methods include lectures, small classes, seminars and presentations
- You will acquire experience of teaching small groups of students as part of our Teaching Practice modules where you will plan, deliver and evaluate your own lessons. Classes are given to the family members of international students and to refugees living in the local area.
Assessment
- Assessment is by a combination of coursework (assignments, essays and tests) and end-of-year examinations
- Other assessment methods include quizzes, presentations, portfolios, group work, and projects
